We already visited Paris several times, and a few things we visited both times, while others we only discovered the other times we were there. I will start with the must-do things, followed by things that are nice to do but not a must. If you are in Paris for a longer period of time, of course, you can do more than when you are visiting for the weekend. And you can also enjoy Paris from the iconic Seine River on a dinner cruise.

Where to stay

Paris offers a wide range of accommodation options for every type of traveller. For a classic Parisian experience, stay in Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where charming streets, cafés, and boutiques are at your doorstep. If you prefer a more local vibe, Canal Saint-Martin and Montmartre offer artistic energy and great nightlife. Travellers seeking luxury can find world-class hotels near the Champs-Élysées or the 8th arrondissement, while budget-conscious visitors might opt for cosy guesthouses or hostels in the Latin Quarter. Wherever you stay, Paris’s excellent metro system makes it easy to explore the city’s highlights.

We stayed at Hotel B55, but you can find an overview of the best hotels in Paris here.

How to get around

The perfect way to explore Paris is by walking or using the metro. A single trip on the Paris metro costs €2.50, regardless of the distance travelled within the Paris region. You can buy a reusable card (Navigo Easy Pass) for €2 and load it with digital tickets. Or you can use the smartphone app.

Things to do in Paris

Eiffel Tower

When you are in Paris, you have to see the Eiffel Tower. This 324-meter-tall monument, named after Gustav Eiffel, is the symbol of Paris. A visit to Paris is not complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. You can take an elevator to the top for a magnificent view of Paris. The waiting times can be long, but when you go in the evening, it can go pretty quickly. Nowadays, there is a security checkpoint before you can go to the Eiffel Tower.

If you walk across the Seine River, there is a beautiful viewpoint (Bocadero) of the Eiffel Tower.

Check the website for opening times and ticket prices. But you can also buy your tickets before.

 

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is another famous monument in Paris. It is at the Western end of the Champs-Elysées at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle. From the Champs-Elysées, you have a good view to take some pictures, but there is also the possibility of accessing it through a tunnel. You only have to pay if you want to go up to the Arc de Triomphe. Walking under it is free of charge.

When you are at the Arc de Triomphe, you can walk only a small part of this avenue. It is almost 2 km long and runs from Place de la Concorde to Place Charles de Gaulle. There are a lot of theatres, cafés, and luxury shops located here, and especially on a nice day, walking here is a lot of people watching.

More information about opening times can be found on the website. You can buy your tickets here.

 

The Louvre

The Louvre Museum is the largest in the world and is located next to the Seine. The most famous piece of art is Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and most of the time, a huge number of people are in front of this little piece of art. Other must-see arts are Michelangelo’s dying slave, Venus de Milo, the Great Sphinx of Tanis, and the Seated Scribe. Of course, you also have to take a picture of the famous glass pyramid.

Are you travelling with kids? You might also like to visit other art museums in Paris that are fun with kids.

Here are some fun facts about The Louvre.

More information about opening times can be found on the website. Buy your tickets here.

 

Musée d’Orsay

Musée d’Orsay is located not far from the Louvre and housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, a railway station built between 1898 and 1900. It has the largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art in the world. There are paintings by Claude Monet, Edouard Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Gauguin and Van Gogh.

The museum opened its doors in December 1986. At the moment, there are about 3000 pieces of art on display within Musée d’Orsay.

During the summer months, I would recommend buying your tickets beforehand

More information about the opening times can be found on the website.

 

Notre Dame de Paris

The Notre Dame Cathedral is a medieval Catholic cathedral on the île de la Cité. It is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is one of the most famous churches in the world. This is really a very beautiful cathedral, both on the inside and the outside, and really a must-visit when you are in Paris.

 

Sacre Coeur and Montmartre

Another famous church in Paris is the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, located on top of Montmartre, the highest point in the city. We visited this church 2 times, both during the daytime and in the evening. From here, you have a beautiful view of Paris, which is even nicer, I think, in the evening.

 

Montmartre is a very lively neighbourhood and is especially known for its gathering of artists. A lot of famous artists had studios or worked in or around Montmartre, such as Salvador Dali, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Piet Mondrian, to name a few. Wandering around the streets is a great way to explore this part of Paris.

 

 

Plan your trip to Paris like a pro

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🏨 Reserve a hotel, apartment, or holiday home at Booking.com
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📺 Use NordVPN to keep watching your favorite programs or movies on the go
🚗 Need to rent a car? Use DiscoverCars or Local Rent
🚆 Buy train tickets from Omio or RailEurope
💳 Use Wise to pay in Paris at the real exchange rate and avoid expensive foreign card fees
🎟️ Pre-book tours, entrance tickets, and activities via Viator or GetYourGuide
🏥 Get travel insurance at World Nomads or Safety Wing

 

Sainte Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel built in Gothic style, located in the courtyard of the royal palace on the île de la Cité, not far from Notre Dame Cathedral. It has one of the most exquisite stained glass collections anywhere in the world. Upon entering, you will go into the lower chapel, which is not as spectacular as what you will see when you take the stairs up. You will be surrounded by fifteen huge glass-stained windows. This was such an amazingly beautiful thing to see that I recommend it when you have already visited the Notre Dame Cathedral.

More information about the opening times can be found on the website. Buy your tickets here.

 

Grand Mosque of Paris

The Grand Mosque of Paris is the largest mosque in France and the third largest in Europe. You can visit the entire mosque except for the prayer room, which you can’t enter. Especially the garden is beautiful. More information about the Mosque can be found here.

 

Les Catacombes de Paris

Something more special to visit when you are in Paris is the Catacombs of Paris. One word of advice: be there before they open, the waiting line is huge because only a limited number of people are allowed in at the same time. We were there around 20 minutes before opening, and we waited in line for over an hour.

The catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries where the remains of more than 6 million people are. Through a network of paths marked with bones and skulls, you can discover the underground tunnel network. This is something different and pretty interesting to discover.

More information about the opening times can be found on the website. Buy your tickets here.

 

Tour Montparnasse

Another view from Paris you can have from the top of the Montparnasse tower. It is an office skyscraper with an observation platform at the top an observation platform. In summer, there is a champagne bar at the top allowing you the enjoy a glass of champagne while admiring the view of Paris. I liked this view, because it is much higher than the Eiffel Tower and because from here you actually can see the Eiffel Tower. After buying a ticket, you can take the elevator to the top, from where you can take the stairs to the open observation deck.

More information about opening times and ticket prices can be found on the website

 

Galeria Lafayette

Galeria Lafayette is located not far from the Opéra Garnier. It is the biggest department store in Europe, where you can find a wide range of brands. It’s constructed in Art Nouveau style, with the eye-catcher being the remarkable dome. If you go all the way up, you have an amazing view of Paris.

 

Sewer Museum

And then something special: the Sewer Museum. We visited this museum because it is something different from the rest. It is located in, surprisingly, the sewers near the Pont de l’Alma. This museum shows the history of the sewer system. It was not what I was expecting, but still, it was interesting to see and especially nice to do on a rainy day.

More information about opening times and ticket prices can be found on the website

Love these alternative attractions? Check out Paris’ abandoned railway, Le Petite Ceinture.

 

Wander the streets of Paris and walk along the river Seine

Wandering around the city and its many neighbourhoods, such as Montmartre and Quartier Latin, or walking along the Seine or in the many parks the city has. Especially when the weather is nice, these are the things that will allow you to explore and enjoy the city.

 

Best Day Trips from Paris

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, consider adding a day trip to your itinerary. Some of the best places to visit near Paris are less than an hour away, while others make for unforgettable full-day adventures.

Disneyland Paris: fun & entertainment

For a fun and easy escape, head to Disneyland Paris. Located just 40 minutes from Paris, it’s perfect for families or anyone looking for a magical experience.

Read more: Disneyland Paris tips

 

Champagne: vineyards & tastings

One of the best day trips from Paris is the Champagne region, home to world-famous sparkling wine. You can visit cities like Reims and Épernay, tour historic Champagne houses, and enjoy tastings.

Read more: Visiting the Champagne Region

 

Normandy: history & coastal views

A day trip to Normandy is perfect if you’re interested in history and scenic landscapes. The D-Day landing beaches are among the most important historical sites in Europe.

While it’s possible as a long day trip, many travelers choose to stay overnight to fully experience the region.

Versailles: the ultimate royal palace

The Palace of Versailles is one of the easiest and most popular day trips from Paris. Located just 30–45 minutes away, it’s famous for its lavish interiors and stunning gardens.

Read more: Visiting Versailles: tips & guide

 

Giverny: Monet’s gardens

Visit Giverny, where Claude Monet lived and painted. His colorful gardens and lily pond are instantly recognizable and especially beautiful in spring and summer.

Loire Valley: castles & wine

The Loire Valley is known for its fairytale castles and vineyards. Highlights include the impressive Château de Chambord. It’s a slightly longer journey, but ideal if you love architecture, wine, and countryside views.

Read more: Loire Valley itinerary

 

All useful links at a glance for your next trip to Paris

✈️ Find plane tickets to Paris
🛏️ Find the best hotels in Paris
⛺ Find the best Airbnb in Paris
🎫 Book tickets for attractions in Paris
📘 Buy the best travel guides about Paris

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